Walsall's Ben Purkiss eyes first team stay

The 29-year-old came in for James Chambers at right-back and impressed, despite the Saddlers falling to a 1-0 defeat in Saturday's FA Cup second-round tie.

Purkiss, whose only other playing time this season came as substitute in the league fixture at Orient and the first-round cup game against Shrewsbury, admitted being out of the team has been frustrating.

But he hopes his performance has done enough to earn another start when the Saddlers travel to Shrewsbury this Saturday.

"It was certainly a boost to play," he said. "I would have just liked to win the game.

"It's frustrating to be out of the team and it is difficult but it is what it is, you just have to keep plugging away.

"You keep hoping every week, making sure you are ready in case you do get the call.

"That's been the season for me. I felt when I came on at Orient in September I did really well.

"On Saturday I did well. You just have to be ready to take the opportunity when it comes."

Despite his lack of playing time, Purkiss believes the tough competition for places is good for the club.

He added: "The key is the team. We are looking at finishing as high in the league as we can, we feel we should probably be a bit better placed as we are now.

"My job is to get the team as high up the table as possible. I feel I can add something.

"But you have to be patient and I hope I did enough on Saturday."

Boss Dean Smith said: "Ben's had to wait a long time. He's been very patient and is working really hard and doing really well."

The Saddlers youth team will look to extend their own run tonight when they travel to face Albion in the FA Youth Cup third round.

Kick-off at The Hawthorns is at 7pm with admission priced at £5 for adults and £3 concessions.